Serves 6

Try any favorite light wine with this recipe. Or, you can try pear cider or eue de vie. Both are recommended choices.

6 pears

6 sprigs fresh mint

1 cup sweet white wine

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon honey

3 ounces low-fat vanilla yogurt

• Preheat oven to 375°.

• Peel the pears and cut in half from top to bottom. Chop the mint, saving the tops for garnish. Place the pears cut-side down in a small roasting pan and pour the wine over them. Sprinkle with zest and drizzle with honey.

• Cover tightly and roast for approximately 40 minutes. Then uncover and roast for 10 minutes longer.

• To serve, place ½-ounce dollops of yogurt on each plate. Prop half a pear on dollop and sprinkle with chopped mint. Place mint sprig tops on sides for garnish.

Dessert Smoothies

Make your own fruity cooler. For a banana shake: Blend together 1 banana, 1 cup of soy milk, 1 cup nonfat yogurt, and 7 ice cubes until very, very smooth. Add blueberries or strawberries to the mix, if desired. A cup of chilled coffee, with a drop of almond extract, a half-dozen ice cubes, and a splash of cream also blends up into a righteous quencher.